Mastodon are easily one of the most important metal acts out today. By revitalizing the sense of riffage and prog, they have really earned their place in modern metal. With that said, their debut is quite different than the Mastodon we have today. They've always acknowledged Neurosis and High on Fire as two of their main influences, and Remission happens to be the record where they owe the most to their influences. Remission is generally focused on riffs over anything else, with the first two tracks featuring some of the greatest riffs of the past decade. The vocals are almost all shouted, with a very calculated feel to them that is rather unique. Perhaps the most unique aspect though is the drumming of Brann Dailor, which is very jazzy and full of fills, something their influences generally didn't do. So overall, Mastodon's debut is definitely an excellent one, full of awesome riffs and atmosphere, but sometimes overwhelming amounts of drum fills. Either way, a fantastic debut that certainly lives up to it's own hype.

I just don't get it. This is the first Mastodon record I've listened to every song from, and I pray that it gets better. The reviews for their follow-up albums are great, but so is this one. So I am a bit concerned. I just don't understand any of the fuss of this album. The drumming is absolutely phenomenal, and the guitar riffing shows countless signs of talent. But forming those two talents into a song doesn't work in my opinion. Every song on here is just a pain to listen to. It's proof that talent doesn't necessarily mean good music.

Ah, Mastodon's debut. It's really hard not to compare Mastodon's trajectory to that of Black Sabbath when they seem to have somewhat imitated their career. Somewhat like Black Sabbath's debut, Mastodon's debut is a straightforward heavy metal opus that easily satiates any thirst for maximum riffage. Highlights for me are "Ol'e Nessie" and "Trainwreck". The only real flaw in this album is the hidden track at the end: it's a minute-long waterfall sequence. Completely stupid and unnecessary, it ruins the album's closure. But don't get me wrong, this is one of Mastodon's finest achievements.